Bedding system and method

ABSTRACT

A bedding system and method can minimize the time, labor and/or frustration associated with making a bed. The system includes a fitted sheet as well as a flat sheet and/or a comforter. The fitted sheet can conformingly fit around a mattress. The fitted sheet can be equipped with connectors in a foot side portion thereof. The flat sheet can include a panel attached to an inner side thereof in a foot end region. The flat sheet panel can include connectors adapted for removable attachment with at least some of the connectors on the fitted sheet. Similarly, the comforter can include a panel attached to an inner side thereof in a foot end region. The comforter panel can include connectors adapted for removable attachment with at least some of the connectors on the fitted sheet. The connectors can be any suitable structure, such as snaps.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/095,347, filed on Sep. 9, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates in general to bedding and, more particularly, tobedding sets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common task that many people perform on a regular basis is making abed, that is, arranging sheets and/or a comforter on a bed to give aneat appearance. While a part of everyday life, the chore itself can bea relatively time consuming, labor intensive and sometimes frustratingtask.

A standard bedding set can include a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and acomforter. Each sheet or comforter placed on the bed must be oriented inthe proper manner and aligned correctly so that each piece lay correctlyon the bed to ultimately give the desired appearance overall. In orderto retain a fitted sheet on a mattress, the mattress must be lifted upat least at each corner so that the fitted sheet can be tucked under thebottom of the mattress. Such maneuvering of the mattress can bedifficult in some cases.

Moreover, in instances where a bed skirt is used, the entire mattress isusually removed so that the bed skirt can be arranged evenly on the boxspring. Once done, the mattress is placed back on top of the box spring,which, in some instances, can cause the bed skirt to become misaligned.Any movement of the sheets, while making the bed or through regular use,can cause the fitted sheet to become untucked at the corners, therebyrequiring the fitted sheet to be re-tucked.

Further, a fitted sheet typically includes an elastic band at its lowerend so as to hold the fitted sheet conformingly around the mattress.However, over time, the elastic band can wear or otherwise deteriorate(such as due to repeated washing), thereby losing the ability toeffectively conformingly fit around the mattress. In such case, thefitted sheet is typically discarded.

Thus, there is a need for a system and method that can minimize suchconcerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one respect, a bedding system according to aspects of the inventionincludes a fitted sheet. The fitted sheet has one or more firstconnectors on a side portion of the fitted sheet. The side portion canbe a foot side portion of the fitted sheet. The one or more firstconnectors are exposed for connection on an outer side of the fittedsheet. The fitted sheet can have a lower edge region. In one embodiment,at least a portion of a lower edge region of the fitted sheet can beconfigured to be selectively tightened. Thus, the fitted sheet can beselectively tightened about a mattress.

The bedding system can further include a bed skirt attached to a loweredge region of the fitted sheet. The bed skirt can extend from thefitted sheet, such as in a generally downward direction. The bed skirtcan extend about at least a portion of the lower edge region. The bedskirt can be attached to the fitted sheet by stitching.

In addition, the bedding system can include a flat sheet equipped withone or more second connectors. Each second connector can be adapted forremovable attachment with a respective first connector. As a result, theflat sheet can be selectively attached and detached from the fittedsheet. A panel can be attached to an inner side of the flat sheet in anend region of the flat sheet. The one or more second connectors can beprovided on the panel.

Still further, the bedding system can include a comforter equipped withone or more third connectors. Each third connector can be adapted forremovable attachment with a respective first connector. Thus, thecomforter can be selectively attached and detached from the fittedsheet. A panel can be attached to an inner side of the comforter in anend region of the comforter. The one or more third connectors can beprovided on the panel.

In another respect, a bedding system according to aspects of theinvention includes a fitted sheet and a flat sheet. The fitted sheet hasone or more first connectors on a foot side portion of the fitted sheet.The fitted sheet also has one or more second connectors on a foot sideportion of the fitted sheet.

The flat sheet is equipped with one or more third connectors in a footend region of the flat sheet. Each of the third connectors is adaptedfor removable attachment with a respective first connector on the fittedsheet. Thus, the flat sheet can be selectively connected anddisconnected from the fitted sheet. The flat sheet includes a panel,which is attached to the flat sheet in the foot end region. The one ormore third connectors are provided on the panel.

A comforter can be a part of the bedding system. The comforter can beequipped with one or more fourth connectors in a foot end region of thefitted sheet. Each fourth connector can be adapted for removableattachment with a respective second connector on the fitted sheet. Thus,the flat sheet can be selectively connected and disconnected from thecomforter. In one embodiment, the comforter can include a panel that isattached to the comforter in the foot end region. In such case, the oneor more fourth connectors can be provided on the panel.

The bedding system can further include a bed skirt. The bed skirt can beattached to a lower edge region of the fitted sheet. The bed skirt canextend from the fitted sheet, such as in a downward direction. The bedskirt can extend about at least a portion of the lower edge region. Thebed skirt can be attached to the fitted sheet by stitching.

The fitted sheet can have a lower edge region. At least a portion of thelower edge region can be configured to be selectively tightened by adrawstring. The drawstring can be operatively associated with the loweredge region of the fitted sheet. Thus, the fitted sheet can beselectively tightened about a mattress. In one embodiment, the fittedsheet does not include an elastic band along the lower edge region. Thedrawstring can have a first end region terminating at a first end and asecond end region terminating at a second end. At least a portion of thefirst and second end regions including the first and second ends canextend from the fitted sheet. As a result, the end regions of thedrawstring can be accessed by a user. In one embodiment, the first andsecond end regions of the drawstring can extend from either a firstlongitudinal side or a second longitudinal side of the fitted sheet.

Another bedding system according to aspects of the invention includes afitted sheet, a flat sheet and a comforter. The system can furtherinclude a bed skirt attached to the fitted sheet about at least aportion of a lower edge region of the fitted sheet.

The fitted sheet has a first plurality of connectors and a secondplurality of connectors. These connectors are provided on a foot sideportion of the fitted sheet.

The flat sheet has an inner side. The flat sheet also has a foot endregion. A panel is attached to the inner side of the flat sheet in thefoot end region. A third plurality of connectors is provided on thepanel. Each of the third plurality of connectors is adapted forremovable attachment with a respective one of the first plurality ofconnectors on the fitted sheet. In this way, the flat sheet can beselectively connected to and disconnected from the fitted sheet.

The comforter has an inner side and a foot end region. A panel isattached to the inner side of the comforter in the foot end region. Afourth plurality of connectors is provided on the panel. Each of thefourth plurality of connectors is adapted for removable attachment witha respective one of the second plurality of connectors on the fittedsheet. Thus, the comforter can be selectively connected and disconnectedfrom the comforter.

In yet another respect, embodiments of the invention can include afitted sheet along with a flat sheet and/or a comforter. The fittedsheet can have a foot side portion. The fitted sheet can further includea plurality of connectors exposed on an outer side of the foot sideportion.

The flat sheet can have an inner side and an outer side. The flat sheetcan have a foot end region. A flat sheet panel can be attached at oneend to the inner side of the flat sheet in the foot end region. Aplurality of connectors can be exposed on an inner side of the flatsheet panel. Each of the plurality of connectors on the flat sheet panelcan be removably attached to a respective one of the plurality ofconnectors on the fitted sheet. As a result, the flat sheet can beconnected to the fitted sheet.

The comforter can have an inner side and an outer side. The comfortercan have a foot end region. A comforter panel can be attached at one endto the inner side of the comforter in the foot end region. The comforterpanel can have a plurality of connectors, which can be exposed on theinner side of the comforter panel. Each of the plurality of connectorson the comforter panel can be removably attached to a respective one ofthe plurality of connectors on the fitted sheet. In this way, thecomforter can be connected to the fitted sheet. The flat sheet can bedisposed on top of the fitted sheet, and the comforter can be disposedon top of the flat sheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bed including a mattress and a boxspring.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fitted sheet in accordance withaspects of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a fitted sheet inaccordance aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fitted sheet inaccordance aspects of the invention, viewed along line 4-4 in FIG. 3,showing a pocket formed on an inner side of the fitted sheet in an loweredge region thereof and a drawstring inside the pocket.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a flat sheet inaccordance aspects of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a comforter inaccordance aspects of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a bedding system inaccordance aspects of the invention, showing the flat sheet having apanel that is connected to a foot side surface of the fitted sheet andshowing the comforter having a panel that is connected to the foot sidesurface of the fitted sheet.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of the a fitted sheetengaging a mattress in accordance with aspects of the invention, showingan edge portion of the fitted sheet being proximate the interfacebetween the mattress and the supporting box spring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a bedding system and methodthat can minimize the time, labor and/or frustration associated withmaking a bed. Aspects of the invention will be explained in connectionwith one possible system and method, but the detailed description isintended only as exemplary. Embodiments of a bedding system and methodaccording to aspects of the invention are shown in FIGS. 2-8, but thepresent invention is not limited to the illustrated structure orapplication.

Referring to FIG. 1, a bed 10 can include a mattress 12 and, in someinstances, can also include an underlying support structure, which canbe any suitable support structure. For example, the support structurecan be a box spring 14 or a Captains bed or a platform bed in place of abox spring. At the outset it should be noted that a bedding system andmethod according to aspects of the invention can be used in connectionwith almost any type of bed. Thus, the system and method according toaspects of the invention can be used with king, queen, full, twin and/orany other size or shape bed. The system and method according to aspectsof the invention can be made to accommodate different mattressthicknesses, including, for example, standard mattresses as well aspillow top mattresses.

Generally, the mattress 12 can have a top surface 16, a bottom surface18, a foot side surface 20, a head side surface 22, a first longitudinalside surface 24 and a second longitudinal side surface 26. Likewise, thebox spring 14 can have a top surface 28, a bottom surface 30, a footside surface 34, a head side surface 36, a first longitudinal sidesurface 38 and a second longitudinal side surface 40. In one embodiment,the mattress 12 can be supported by the box spring 14. In such case, aninterface 15 can be formed between the bottom surface 18 of the mattress12 and the top surface 28 of the box spring 14.

A bedding system according to aspects of the invention can include afitted sheet 42, a flat sheet 44, and/or a comforter 46. Each of theseitems will be described in turn below.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fitted sheet 42 can be sized and shapedto conformingly fit over at least the top surface 16 and each sidesurface 20, 22, 24, 26 of the mattress 12. The fitted sheet 42 can havean outer side 48 and an inner side 50. The fitted sheet 42 can include atop portion 52, a head side portion 54, a foot side portion 56, a firstlongitudinal side portion 58 and a second longitudinal side portion 60.The top portion 52 and the side portions 54, 56, 58, 60 can be separatepanels or they can be one continuous piece.

According to aspects of the invention, the foot side portion 56 of thefitted sheet 42 can include a plurality of connectors. The connectorscan be any suitable structure. For example, the connectors can be snaps62, Velcro and/or zippers, just to name a few possibilities. In oneembodiment, the connectors can be stainless steel snaps. In oneembodiment, each of the plurality of connectors can be substantiallyidentical.

Any suitable quantity of connectors can be provided. The connectors canbe attached to the foot side portion 56 of the fitted sheet 42 in anysuitable manner, including, for example, stitching, adhesives, fastenersand mechanical engagement, just to name a few possibilities. Theconnectors can be exposed for connection on the outer side 48 of thefitted sheet 42 in the foot side portion 56.

The plurality of connectors can be arranged in any suitable manner. Inone embodiment, the connectors can be arranged in at least one row. Theconnectors can have any suitable spacing. For instance, the connectorsin each row can be substantially equally spaced. The connectors in a rowcan be identical to each other, or at least one of the connectors can bedifferent from the other connectors in the row in one or more respects.In one embodiment, there can be two rows of connectors, including anupper row 64 and a lower row 66. In such case, the upper and lower rows64, 66 can be generally parallel to each other.

At least a portion of the foot side portion 56 of the fitted sheet 42can include a reinforced region 68, which includes the connectors, toprovide structural support for the connectors so that the connectors donot separate from the fitted sheet 42. The reinforced region 68 can beachieved in any suitable manner. For instance, at least a portion of thereinforced region 68 can be made of a different material than the restof the fitted sheet 42, such as out of a material that is stronger thanthe material of the fitted sheet 42. In one embodiment, the reinforcedregion 68 can be at least partially made of denim. Alternatively or inaddition, the reinforced region 68 can be achieved by making thereinforced region 68 thicker than any other portion of the fitted sheet42, such as by providing a plurality of layers in the region 68. Stillalternatively or in addition, the reinforced region 68 can have agreater thread count than any other portion of the fitted sheet 42.These are just a few of the possible ways in which the foot side portion56 of the fitted sheet 42 can be reinforced.

According to aspects of the invention, the fitted sheet 42 can have anlower edge region 70, which includes a lower edge 72. The lower edgeregion 70 and the lower edge 72 can extend about the entire perimeter ofthe bed 10. The fitted sheet 42 can be sized so that, when fitted to thebed 10, the lower edge 72 of the fitted sheet 42 can be at an elevationthat is substantially proximate the bottom surface 18 of the mattress 12or the interface 15, as shown in FIG. 8. In one embodiment, the loweredge 72 of the fitted sheet 42 can be at an elevation that issubstantially at or slightly lower than the bottom surface 18 of themattress 12 or the interface 15.

The lower edge region 70 of the fitted sheet 42 can be configured toallow it to be tightened, thereby retaining the fitted sheet 42 in amore conforming fit with the mattress 12. Such tightening can beachieved in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, such tightening canbe achieved by providing a drawstring 74, as shown in FIG. 2. Thedrawstring 74 can be substantially enclosed in a pocket 76 formed alongthe lower edge region 70 of the fitted sheet 42, as shown in FIG. 4.

The drawstring 74 can have a first end 78 and a second end 80. At somepoint, the two ends 78, 80 of the drawstring 74 can exit the pocket 76and can be accessed by a user. The ends 78, 80 of the drawstring 74 canbe provided at any suitable point along the perimeter of the bed 10. Inone embodiment, the ends 78, 80 of the drawstring 74 can extend out ofthe pocket 76 on one of the longitudinal sides 58, 60 of the fittedsheet 42. By providing the ends 78, 80 in such a location, the ends 78,80 of the drawstring 74 can be accessed without interference from thehead board or foot board of the bed, if any. Of course, the ends 78, 80can extend out of the pocket 76 on the head side end 54 or the foot sideend 56. The ends 78, 80 of the drawstring 74 can be held together andtension on the drawstring can be maintained by a tie cock 82. Thedrawstring 74 can be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment,the fitted sheet 42 does not have an elastic band, as is commonly foundin known fitted sheets.

In one embodiment, the fitted sheet 42 can also include a bed skirt 84.The bed skirt 84 can be made of any suitable material. The bed skirt 84can be attached to the lower edge region 70, such as at the lower edge72, of the fitted sheet 42 and can extend downward therefrom. The bedskirt 84 can extend about the lower end region 70 of the fitted sheet42. In one embodiment, the bed skirt 84 can be provided about the lowerend region 70 of the fitted sheet 42, except for in the head sideportion 54 of the fitted sheet 42 where no bed skirt is provided.

The bed skirt 84 can be attached to the fitted sheet 42 in any suitablemanner. In one embodiment, the bed skirt 84 can be permanently attachedto the fitted sheet 42, such as by stitching 86. Alternatively, the bedskirt 84 can be removably attached to the fitted sheet 42, such as bysnaps, Velcro and/or zippers, just to name a few possibilities. The bedskirt 84 can be sized and shaped as necessary. The distance the bedskirt 84 extends from the lower end 7 of the fitted sheet 42 can be anysuitable length.

A bedding system according to aspects of the invention can also includea flat sheet 44, as is shown in FIG. 5. The flat sheet 44 can be made ofany suitable material. The flat sheet 44 can include a foot end region90. The flat sheet 44 can have an inner side 92 and an outer side 94.

According to aspects of the invention, the flat sheet 44 can include apanel 96. The panel 96 can be attached to the inner side 92 of the flatsheet 44 in the foot end region 90. The panel 96 can be attached at oneof its ends 98 to the flat sheet 44 in any suitable manner, including,for example, by stitching 100. The panel 96 can have an inner side 102and an outer side 104. In one embodiment, the panel 96 can be positionedso that when the flat sheet 44 is placed on a mattress 12, the panel 96can hang over the foot side edge 21 of the mattress 12, as shown in FIG.7. The flat sheet panel 96 can be made of any suitable material. Theflat sheet panel 96 can be made of the same material as the flat sheet44, or it can be made of a different material.

According to aspects of the invention, the flat sheet panel 96 caninclude a plurality of connectors. The connectors can be any suitablestructure. For example, the connectors can be snaps 106, Velcro and/orzippers, just to name a few possibilities. In one embodiment, theconnectors can be stainless steel snaps. In one embodiment, each of theplurality of connectors can be substantially identical. The connectorson the flat sheet panel 96 can be adapted for removable connection to atleast some of the connectors on the fitted sheet 42. In one embodiment,the connectors on the flat sheet panel 96 can be adapted for removableconnection to the upper row 64 of connectors on the fitted sheet 42, asis shown in FIG. 7.

Any suitable quantity of connectors can be provided. The connectors canbe attached to the flat sheet panel 96 in any suitable manner,including, for example, stitching, adhesives, fasteners and mechanicalengagement, just to name a few possibilities. The connectors can beexposed for connection on the inner side 102 of the flat sheet panel 96.

The plurality of connectors can be arranged in any suitable manner. Inone embodiment, the connectors can be arranged in at least one row. Theconnectors can have any suitable spacing. For instance, the connectorsin each row can be substantially equally spaced. The connectors in a rowcan be identical to each other, or at least one of the connectors can bedifferent from the other connectors in the row in one or more respects.

At least a portion of the flat sheet panel 96 can include a reinforcedregion 108, which includes the connectors. The reinforced region 108 canprovide structural support for the connectors so that the connectors donot separate from the flat sheet panel 96. Such reinforcement can beachieved in any suitable manner, including any of those mentioned abovein connection with the reinforced region 68 of the fitted panel 42.

The bedding system according to aspects of the invention can alsoinclude a comforter 46, as is shown in FIG. 6. The term “comforter” isintended to mean any type of comforter, blanket or covering. Thecomforter 46 can be made of any suitable material, and it can have anysuitable size and shape. The comforter 46 can include a foot end region110. The comforter 46 can have an inner side 112 and an outer side 114.

According to aspects of the invention, the comforter 46 can include apanel 116. The panel 116 can be attached to the inner side 112 of thecomforter 46 in the foot end region 110. The comforter panel 116 can beattached at one of its ends 118 to the inner side 122 in any suitablemanner, including, for example, by stitching 120. The comforter panel116 can have an inner side 122 and an outer side 124. In one embodiment,the comforter panel 116 can be positioned so that when the comforter 46is placed on a bed, at least a portion of the panel 116 hangs over thefoot side edge 21 of the mattress 12, as is shown in FIG. 7. Generally,the comforter 46 can be longer than the flat sheet 44 in thelongitudinal direction so that the comforter 46 hangs lower off at leastthe foot side edge 21 of the mattress 12.

The comforter panel 116 can be made of any suitable material. Thecomforter panel 116 can be made of the same material as the comforter46, or it can be made of a different material.

According to aspects of the invention, the comforter panel 116 caninclude a plurality of connectors. The connectors can be any suitablestructure. For example, the connectors can be snaps 126, Velcro and/orzippers, just to name a few possibilities. In one embodiment, theconnectors can be stainless steel snaps. In one embodiment, each of theplurality of connectors can be substantially identical. The connectorson the comforter panel 116 can be adapted for removable connection to atleast some of the connectors on the fitted sheet 42. For instance, theconnectors on the comforter panel 116 can be adapted for removableconnection to the lower row of connectors 66 on the fitted sheet 42.

Any suitable quantity of connectors can be provided. The connectors canbe attached to the comforter panel in any suitable manner, including,for example, stitching, adhesives, fasteners and mechanical engagement,just to name a few possibilities. The connectors can be exposed forconnection on the inner side of the comforter panel.

The plurality of connectors can be arranged in any suitable manner. Inone embodiment, the connectors can be arranged in at least one row. Theconnectors can have any suitable spacing. For instance, the connectorsin each row can be substantially equally spaced. The connectors in a rowcan be identical to each other, or at least one of the connectors can bedifferent from the other connectors in the row in one or more respects.

At least a portion of the comforter panel 116 can have a reinforcedregion 128, which includes the connectors, to provide structural supportfor the connectors so that the connectors do not separate from thecomforter panel 116. Such reinforcement can be achieved in any suitablemanner, including any of those described above in connection with thereinforced region 68 of the fitted sheet 42.

It should be noted that at least some of the above items—the fittedsheet 42, the flat sheet 44 and/or the comforter 46—can all be packagedtogether and sold to consumers as a complete bedding set. In such case,the fitted sheet 42 can be pre-attached to at least one of the flatsheet 44 and the comforter 46. Additional items can be included in theset, such as pillow cases, shams and decorative pillows, just to name afew examples.

Now that the individual components have been described, one manner ofusing the invention will be described. The following description isintend for illustration purposes only and is not intended to belimiting. The bedding system according to aspects of the invention canbe placed on an bed and unfolded. The fitted sheet 42 can be pulled overthe edges of the mattress 12 such that the lower edge 72 of the fittedsheet 42 is at or near the bottom surface 18 of the mattress 12 aroundthe perimeter of the bed, as is shown in FIG. 8. Once the fitted sheet42 is properly positioned, the drawstrings 74 can be pulled to ensurethat the fitted sheet 42 conformingly engages the mattress 12.

Referring to FIG. 7, the flat sheet 44 can be straightened out on thebed and on top of the fitted panel 42. The foot end region 90 of theflat sheet 44 and the flat sheet panel 96 can be draped over the footside edge 21 of the mattress 12. The connectors provided on the flatsheet panel 96 and the corresponding connectors on the fitted sheet 42can be brought into engagement. In some instances, the flat sheet panel42 and the fitted panel 44 can be pre-attached.

The comforter 46 can be straightened out on the bed and on top of theflat panel 44. The foot end region 110 of the comforter 46 and comforterpanel 116 can be draped over the foot side edge 21 of the bed. Thecomforter 46 can hang lower off the side edges of the bed than the flatsheet 44. The connectors provided on the comforter panel 116 and thecorresponding connectors on the fitted sheet 42 can be brought intoengagement. In some instances, the comforter panel 116 and the fittedsheet 42 can be pre-attached. The bed has now been made. It should benoted that, in some embodiments, the comforter 46 or the flat sheet 44may not be used or be included.

In the morning, when the sheets 42, 44 and/or comforter 46 may be indisarray, a person need only to straighten out the flat sheet 44 and/orthe comforter 46 and then the bed is made. Such straightening can beachieved by pulling the comforter 46 and/or the flat sheet 44 toward thehead end side 22 of the mattress. Because the comforter 46 and/or theflat sheet 44 are attached at the foot side portion 56 of the fittedsheet 42, the comforter 46 and/or the flat sheet 44 can be convenientlylocated for the person making the bed and can be easily smoothed out. Ifnecessary, the drawstring 74 can be tightened reestablish the conformingfit of the fitted sheet 42 about the mattress 12.

If a person wishes to wash one or more of the pieces of the beddingsystem according to aspects of the invention, then the intended piececan be readily detached from the other pieces. For instance, thecomforter 46 and/or the flat sheet 44 can be quickly removed from thefitted sheet 42 by detaching the respective connectors. Of course, thefitted sheet 42 can readily be removed from the mattress 12, such as byreleasing the tension on the drawstrings 74 and pulling the fitted sheet42 off of the mattress 12.

A bedding system according to aspects of the invention can have a numberof advantages. For instance, it can facilitate bed making, potentiallyso that the user cannot mis-make the bed. The user can consistently andefficiently make the bed without much hassle. Further, the system andmethod according to aspects of the invention can lead to appreciabletime savings. In addition, the labor input can be minimized, as themattress does not have to be lifted up to tuck the fitted sheet in orremoved to place the bed skirt. Further, during use, the fitted sheetwill not become untucked. In addition, the fitted sheet can, in someembodiments, avoid the use of a elastic band, thereby minimizingconcerns of the elastic wearing or otherwise deteriorating.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificdetails described herein, which are given by way of example only, andthat various modifications and alterations are possible within the scopeof the invention as defined in the following claims.

1. A bedding system comprising: a fitted sheet having at least one firstconnector on a side portion thereof such that the at least one firstconnector is exposed for connection on an outer side of the fittedsheet.
 2. The bedding system of claim 1 wherein the side portion is afoot side portion.
 3. The bedding system of claim 1 further including abed skirt attached to a lower edge region of the fitted sheet andextending therefrom, wherein the bed skirt extends about at least aportion of the lower edge region.
 4. The bedding system of claim 3wherein the bed skirt is attached to the fitted sheet by stitching. 5.The bedding system of claim 1 further including a flat sheet equippedwith a second connector adapted for removable attachment with the firstconnector, whereby the flat sheet can be selectively attached anddetached from the fitted sheet.
 6. The bedding system of claim 4 whereina panel is attached to an inner side of the flat sheet in an end regionthereof, wherein the at least one second connector is provided on thepanel.
 7. The bedding system of claim 1 further including a comforterequipped with at least one third connector, each third connector isadapted for removable attachment with a respective first connector,whereby the comforter can be selectively attached and detached from thefitted sheet.
 8. The bedding system of claim 7 wherein a panel isattached to an inner side of the comforter in an end region thereof,wherein the at least third connector is provided on the panel.
 9. Thebedding system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of a lower edgeregion of the fitted sheet is configured to be selectively tightened,whereby the fitted sheet can be selectively tightened about a mattress.10. A bedding system comprising: a fitted sheet having at least onefirst connector and at least one second connector on a foot side portionthereof; and a flat sheet equipped with at least one third connector ina foot end region thereof, each third connector being adapted forremovable attachment with a respective first connector on the fittedsheet, whereby the flat sheet can be selectively connected anddisconnected from the fitted sheet.
 11. The bedding system of claim 10further including a comforter equipped with at least one fourthconnector in a foot end region thereof, each fourth connector beingadapted for removable attachment with a respective second connector onthe fitted sheet, whereby the flat sheet can be selectively connectedand disconnected from the comforter.
 12. The bedding system of claim 11wherein a panel is attached to the comforter in the foot end regionthereof, wherein the at least one fourth connector is provided on thepanel.
 13. The bedding system of claim 10 wherein a panel is attached tothe flat sheet in the foot end region thereof, wherein the at least onethird connector is provided on the panel.
 14. The bedding system ofclaim 10 further including a bed skirt attached to a lower edge regionof the fitted sheet and extending therefrom, wherein the bed skirtextends about at least a portion of the lower edge region.
 15. Thebedding system of claim 14 wherein the bed skirt is attached to thefitted sheet by stitching.
 16. The bedding system of claim 10 whereinthe fitted sheet has a lower edge region, at least a portion of thelower edge region being configured to be selectively tightened by adrawstring operatively associated with the lower edge region of thefitted sheet, wherein the fitted sheet does not include an elastic bandalong the lower edge region, whereby the fitted sheet can be selectivelytightened about a mattress.
 17. The bedding system of claim 16 whereinthe drawstring has a first end region terminating at a first end and asecond end region terminating at a second end, wherein at least aportion of the first and second end regions including the first andsecond ends extend from the fitted sheet, whereby the end regions of thedrawstring can be accessed by a user.
 18. The bedding system of claim 17wherein the first and second end regions of the drawstring extend fromone of a first longitudinal side and a second longitudinal side of thefitted sheet.
 19. A bedding system comprising: a fitted sheet having afirst plurality of connectors and a second plurality of connectors on afoot side portion thereof; and a flat sheet having a foot end region,the flat sheet including a panel having a third plurality of connectorsthereon, the panel being attached to an inner side of the flat sheet inthe foot end region thereof, each of the third plurality of connectorsbeing adapted for removable attachment with a respective one of thefirst plurality of connectors on the fitted sheet, whereby the flatsheet can be selectively connected to and disconnected from the fittedsheet; and a comforter having a foot end region, the comforter includinga panel having a fourth plurality of connectors thereon, the panel beingattached to an inner side of the comforter in the foot end regionthereof, each of the fourth plurality of connectors being adapted forremovable attachment with a respective one of the second plurality ofconnectors on the fitted sheet, whereby the comforter can be selectivelyconnected and disconnected from the comforter.
 20. The bedding system ofclaim 19 further including a bed skirt attached to the fitted sheetabout at least a portion of a lower edge region thereof.